The inclusive masculinities of heterosexual men within UK gay sport clubs

Jarvis, Nigel (2015) The inclusive masculinities of heterosexual men within UK gay sport clubs International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 50 (3). pp. 283-300. ISSN 1012-6902

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Abstract

This article focuses on the little known phenomenon of heterosexual men’s participation in gay1 sport clubs. It explores the relationship between straight men joining gay teams in a context of changing masculinities. Through 12 interviews with a diverse range of self-identified straight men living in the UK, the research demonstrates how traditional definitions of masculinity are possibly shifting, as are their attitudes towards sexuality, as a result of their involvement with gay sport organisations. Their experiences and stories reveal how their participation in gay sport settings may contribute to diminished cultural homophobia, in line with other recent studies. Initial stereotypes and perceptions of gay athletes were dismantled, resulting in clear attitudinal shifts toward homosexuality. The men interviewed had no one single conceptualisation of masculinity, and instead showed a more pluralised and inclusive version of masculinity. While their participation in gay clubs can largely be seen as a positive and transgressive act, their involvement still has some limitations.

Item Type:	Journal article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	diminished cultural homophobia; gay sport; (hetero)sexuality; identity; inclusive masculinities
Subjects:	L000 Social Sciences L000 Social Sciences > L300 Sociology > L311 Sport and Leisure L000 Social Sciences > L300 Sociology > L320 Gender studies L000 Social Sciences > L300 Sociology L000 Social Sciences > L900 Cultural Studies
DOI (a stable link to the resource):	10.1177/1012690213482481
Depositing User:	Converis
Date Deposited:	18 Sep 2013 03:01
Last Modified:	17 Apr 2015 13:19
URI:	http://eprints.brighton.ac.uk/id/eprint/11618

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